National Association of Boards of Long Term Care Administrator (NAB) CORE Practice Exam

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How is delirium characterized in a medical context?

State of mental confusion characterized by disorientation
Slow onset of cognitive deficits
Cognitive decline not connected to other conditions
Progressive illness that causes memory lapses

The correct answer is: State of mental confusion characterized by disorientation

Delirium is characterized by a state of mental confusion that often includes disorientation, fluctuations in attention levels, and altered consciousness. It typically develops rapidly and can be due to various underlying medical conditions, medications, or metabolic issues. The hallmark of delirium is its acute onset and the fact that it can fluctuate throughout the day, unlike some other cognitive disorders. This disorientation may manifest as confusion regarding time, place, or identity, making choice A the most accurate depiction of delirium. The other options describe different cognitive or psychological conditions that do not align with the acute and fluctuating nature of delirium. For instance, the slow onset of cognitive deficits refers more to dementias rather than delirium, which has a rapid onset. Cognitive decline not connected to other conditions does not account for delirium’s strong ties to underlying medical issues. Finally, a progressive illness that causes memory lapses suggests a chronic condition rather than the acute and transient nature of delirium.